Mobile Locator Buffer Zone Control for Buried Asset Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locator devices struggle to accurately detect buried assets when multiple assets are in close proximity, leading to interference signals that require skilled technicians and result in increased costs and potential safety hazards due to the shortage of experienced personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile computing device connected to a communications network that enables and disables electromagnetic locating functions based on geographical location within predefined buffer zones, reducing false identifications by only allowing locating functions to be active when the technician is within the target asset's zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional locator devices are used to detect buried assets, then the detection process can be performed by any technician, but the precision of detection deteriorates when multiple assets are in close proximity due to interference signals
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile computing device serves as an intermediary system between the locator device and the technician. It receives location data from the locator, determines whether the current position is within a buffer zone around the target asset, and controls the locator's operating mode accordingly. This intermediary enables automated decision-making that maintains ease of operation while improving detection precision in complex environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the technician's location via the mobile computing device and adjusting the locator's operation based on whether the position is within the buffer zone. When inside the buffer zone, the locator operates in a mode optimized for precision detection of the target asset; when outside, it operates in a more general detection mode. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by adapting operation to the current situation.
2Measurement precision
If experienced technicians are deployed to handle interference signal situations, then detection precision improves, but the cost and time required for detection increases due to personnel shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device performs self-service by automatically determining the technician's location, calculating whether it falls within the buffer zone, and controlling the locator's operation without requiring skilled technician judgment. This automation eliminates the need for experienced technicians to manually assess complex interference situations, thereby maintaining detection precision while improving productivity and reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical system of skilled human judgment and manual control with an automated electronic system. The mobile computing device uses GPS or other location services to determine position, calculates buffer zone boundaries, and automatically adjusts locator operation. This substitution eliminates dependency on experienced technicians while maintaining or improving detection efficiency and precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locator operates continuously to detect all buried assets, then coverage is maximized, but false identifications increase when multiple assets are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by changing the locator's operating characteristics based on the local situation—specifically, whether the technician is currently positioned within the buffer zone around the target asset. When inside the buffer zone, the locator operates in a precision mode optimized for identifying the specific target asset; when outside, it operates in a broader detection mode. This spatially-dependent adaptation maintains high identification accuracy while preserving comprehensive detection coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the precision and safety of buried asset detection, reducing costs and errors by ensuring accurate identification of target assets and minimizing interference signal misinterpretations.
Implementation Method 1
locating electromagnetic signals radiating from a buried asset
Data Source
AI summary
A method on a mobile computing device for locating a buried asset is provided. The method includes receiving a data structure that represents a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at an above-surface location, wherein the buffer zone corresponds to a particular buried asset sought by an operator of the device and iteratively executing the following steps: a) calculating an above-surface location of the device; b) determining whether the above-surface location of the device is located within the two dimensional area; c) if the above-surface location is not located within the two dimensional area, determining whether a locating function of a component coupled with the mobile computing device is enabled, and if so, disabling the locating function; d) if the above-surface location is located within the area, determining whether the locating function of the component is disabled, and if so, enabling the locating function.